Utah’s 2024 Legislative Session broke numerous records. Over 45 days, legislators introduced a record 940 bills, 591 of which passed, and enacted a $29.4 billion budget. These bills encompassed several significant areas of policy pertaining to homelessness and affordable housing, energy stability and innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, the Great Salt Lake and Utah’s water resources, and economic development in the form of professional sports and community revitalization.
During the session, the Salt Lake Chamber diligently tracked and monitored 236 business-related bills. Our appreciation extends to the collaborative efforts of bill sponsors, legislative leadership and especially our stakeholder partners who helped advocate for bills, keeping Utah as the business-friendly place that we know it to be. An achievement like this truly wouldn’t be possible without everyone coming together in a show of strength for Utah’s business community.
Every year, the Chamber designates certain bills that align with our Public Policy Guide as Priority Votes. This year, an impressive 90% of these specially marked bills passed the legislature. These priority votes are aimed at tackling critical issues such as Utah’s housing shortage, preparing for growth as we examine how to best utilize our water resources, creating business-friendly AI regulation that will protect consumers, and strengthening the talent pipeline between higher education and the workforce. We are also happy to report that 100% of the bills opposed by the Chamber did not pass. Again, we recognize and appreciate the cohesive efforts from the business community and the legislature, both focused on ensuring these new laws help foster innovation and businesses’ success.
The session may be over, but the policy work that champions business remains steadfast. We consider this legislative session successful for the Chamber’s policy priorities and business community. We appreciate the work of our legislators and extend our sincere gratitude to this year’s Legislative Business Champions.